The shooting happened in the 9900 block of Dandelion Avenue just before 6 p.m. Friday.

Officers responded to the shooting after someone inside the home called to report a family dispute.

Fountain Valley Police Capt. Kevin Childe said that authorities believe the husband shot his wife in front of her mother's home during a bitter divorce and custody dispute.

He then shot his 8-year-old daughter before turning the gun on himself.

The woman's body was found on the pavement outside the home when police arrived. They heard several more shots coming from inside the home, Childe said.

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When they went inside, they found the body of a 40-year-old man and an 8-year-old girl. Several other people were found hiding in a bathroom.

Police say the man was waiting for his soon-to-be ex-wife to return home Friday afternoon, Childe said. When she pulled into the driveway with her daughter and got out of her car he approached her and they began arguing. Family members pulled the young girl inside the home and called 911.

Witnesses say the man shot the woman and then tried to force his way into the home. He reportedly kicked a hole in the front door but couldn't get in. He then shot a hole into a window and gained entry into the home, investigators say.

The woman's mother and two 15-year-old relatives ran out of the home. The woman's father and another relative hid in the bathroom as the man shot and killed his daughter and then himself, Childe said.

The family had moved to Fountain Valley about two years ago from Vancouver, Wash., Vickie Grimes, Theresa Yancey's sister, said in a statement.

Theresa Yancey was happy working for the Fountain Valley School District and Madison was involved in Brownies, her church and had reached the orange belt in karate, Grimes said in the statement.

The family is asking residents to make a donation to the church's Children's Camp Scholarship Fund in lieu of sending flowers. Checks can be brought to the memorial or mailed to Beachpoint Church at 17415 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708. In the memo line, write: Madison Memorial Scholarship Fund.